Those of you using the Waterfall Country gorges in the last year or so will be well aware of the immense pressure that the area is under from visitors – which is having a significant adverse impact on the gorge environment. We know that gorge-walking groups are not a significant part of the problem – in fact we think there’s a lot we can do to help!

SWOAPG has therefore planned this onsite workshop, based around the Mellte gorge, to see what we can do to help alleviate some of the problems being caused by visitor numbers and behaviour.

The idea of the workshop (which will be facilitated on behalf of SWOAPG by Lee Garbett of Quest Adventures – and hopefully attended by all the major gorge-walking providers as well as environmental and safety organisations) is to share concerns and ideas and generate some key messages and good practice for groups using the gorge, which SWOAPG will then disseminate more widely. Topics to be addressed will include how providers might…

• better understand and continue to minimise their own impact on the fragile gorge environment;
• help keep the area in good condition e.g. by collecting and disposing of rubbish; and
• influence the behaviour of the general public to better look after the gorge environment (and their own safety!).

The intention is to cover the section of river between Sgwd Clun Gwyn and Sgwd y Pannwr. To participate fully you’ll need ‘wet’ gorge kit – or if you prefer you can stay dry and join in parts only with walking kit (contact Lee if you need to borrow kit).

Meet 8.30am at Clyn Gwyn Car Park for a briefing before moving onsite at 9am.

Please RSVP using the button below if you’re able to attend.

Contact Lee for more detailed information or questions about the workshop.